GPS package for laptops

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guest2183 · #1 Post by **guest2183** » Mon Nov 22, 2004 11:32 am

Anybody with good experience on buying a GPS package for laptops? I read about Streets and Trips 2005 but I want one that can actually talk. For example, it would say next intersection, turn right... that kind of stuff

eriqesque · #2 Post by **eriqesque** » Mon Nov 22, 2004 11:36 am

The Delorme Earthmate talks
http://www.delorme.com/earthmate/

jkirch · #3 Post by **jkirch** » Tue Nov 23, 2004 7:06 am

Hi,

just on my last trip through the US in October this year I was using "Street Atlas 2004" from Delorme. It worked quite well with my bluetooth GPS receiver and my T40p.
I left the voice command/direction off since I had my gf in the passenger seat

to give me directions following the map display.

Too bad I only had a copy of the 2004 version which probably had maps from 2003 (release date?).
Many interstate exits have been renumbered to show distance to state border, but otherewise it was fine for me.

As GPS receiver I just got a Clip-On device from http://www.fortuna.com.tw/Products.htm
but you should be able to get any device that "talks" NMEA 0183 output protocol - be it with USB/serial connection or bluetooth.

Best regards,

Jens

#4 Post by **BillMorrow** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 1:37 am

NMEA is a serial protocol..
so using this with a modern thinkpad is going to be troublesome since there is no serial port..

the GPS i occasionally use is a PC card version with a remote antenna capability..

RRHODY · #5 Post by **RRHODY** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 7:06 am

I have used a RadioShack DigiTraveler GPS with my 240. It has a serial connection as Bill mentioned, and requires batteries or a sepaprate DC power source. I also have a DeLorme EarthMate and it works with my T30 with a USB connection. The EarthMate draws power via the USB. It locks on much faster than the DigiTraveler and is smaller than a mini-mouse. I have used MS Street & Trips (2005) which has no voice capabilities, but has superior graphics over Street Atlas. I have Street Atlas 2005 with voice, but the GUI is awkward so I've reverted back to Streedt Atlas version 9.0 that only speaks the previously created route directions. Street Atlas 2004 and 2005 will respond to voice questions, like, "Computer, where am I?" The response comes back with street, direction of travel, city and county. I will sell either or both Street Atlas 2005 or Street & Trips 2005 since I'm sticking with the older SA 9.0.

jkirch · #6 Post by **jkirch** » Wed Nov 24, 2004 5:40 pm

Bill,

the serial connection is not necessary anymore. There are many GPS mices with USB connector. USB = Universal Serial Bus

They come with a driver/program that supplies a com Port and it should work with any GPS Maping software as long as it understands the NMEA Protocol stack.

The same is valid for the bluetooth GPS receiver. Mine has the blutooth serial profile integrated. So it basically connects through that with the serial profile in my standart T40p bluetooth card.

Cheers

Jens

morrow wrote:NMEA is a serial protocol..
so using this with a modern thinkpad is going to be troublesome since there is no serial port..

the GPS i occasionally use is a PC card version with a remote antenna capability..

GPS package for laptops

GPS package for laptops

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